The giant centre-back was born in Auckland but left for Denmark at the age of 11 and was good enough to play for the Danes at the U-19, U-20 and U-21 level. New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert stepped in before he could make his senior debut and persuaded him to become an All White.

After some deliberation, the player did just that and could face Denmark in the second round. Has been linked with Italian clubs such as Palermo, Sampdoria and Fiorentina.